GAS FURNACES

What is AFUE? AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. Current model furnaces (natural gas or liquid petroleum fueled) are required to have a minimum AFUE rating of 80 percent. Our offerings range from standard 80% efficiency models, up to high efficiency models (96% or higher) that achieve near-total efficiency.

80% EFFICIENT

How do 80% efficient furnaces work? A standard 80% efficient furnace uses at least 80% of the fuel it consumes to generate heat, while the remaining 20% of heat energy is exhausted via the furnace’s venting system. In layman’s terms – for every dollar spent to heat your home, you are getting .80 cents worth of heat, with a .20 cent loss. Standard 80% furnaces utilize a conventional metal vent pipe system, typically vented vertically thru the exterior of your home.

96% EFFICIENT

How do 96% efficient furnaces work? A high efficiency furnace (AFUE rating above 90 percent) is considered a “condensating” furnace. It utilizes a secondary heat exchanger to extract heat from the exhaust gases that would otherwise be lost thru the furnace exterior venting system with less efficient models. In layman’s terms – for every dollar spent to heat your home, you are getting .96 cents worth of heat. The venting system differs from conventional 80% furnaces, requiring PVC venting pipes connected to your furnace, vented vertically, or horizontally to the exterior.